Million Dollar Landscaper Podcast

Stop Blaming Workers — Fix Your Hiring Right Now- MDL Episode 388

Scott sits down with Jason (Skyfrog Landscape) and Jordan (Independent Tree Service) to share no-fluff hiring, onboarding, and retention tactics for landscaping business owners.
 
If finding reliable crew leaders and labor feels impossible right now, this episode is for you. Jason and Jordan talk real hires-and-fires pain: no-shows, drug use in trucks, seasonal staffing swings, and the costly mistakes owners make when they “hire anyone with a heartbeat.” Learn the mindset shift that makes hiring your problem to solve — not just something to complain about.
 
You’ll walk away with clear, practical moves you can use this week: screening rules (driver’s license + drug test), low-cost ad channels (Craigslist, Indeed, Team Engine), how to delegate hiring to a part-time Director of Employee Development, two-week mentoring for new crew leaders, and simple ongoing training ideas (tailgate talks, quarterly skill days). They also cover culture wins that actually stick — removing toxic leaders, genuine perks (CPR training, solid pay), and referral hires that scale your landscaping business.
 
Want to see the crew skills in action? Check out the Landscape Rodeo (Feb 20, St. Augustine) — thelandscaperodeo.com.
 
Follow Greenside Up Podcast for more from Jason & Jordan, or email greensideuppodcast@gmail.com. Subscribe so you don’t miss the next episode on running a better landscape business.
 
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The Missed Call Costing You Jobs- MDL Episode 387

Scott explains why missed calls and slow replies are quietly costing landscaping contractors jobs—and how a simple lead-capture system fixes it without hiring more staff.
 
You’re busy on jobs, crews are calling, phones are loud—and while you’re doing the work, potential customers quietly move on. This episode digs into the real problem most landscaping businesses face: not bad work or bad pricing, but missed calls, buried messages, and slow replies that lose you jobs.
 
We walk through a practical five-step framework (instant response, smart lead capture, quick qualification, confirmation, and handoff) and explain how phone + chat coverage across Google messages, website chat, Facebook/Instagram, and calls can capture the info you need. It’s not about replacing you—it's about giving your business coverage so you don’t have to be glued to your phone.
 
If you want to hear how it feels from a customer’s side, try the demo at demo.leadspeed.io. Subscribe to the show for more real, no-fluff tips on running a smoother, more profitable landscaping business.
 
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Stop Chasing Leads—Fix Your Foundation First- MDL Episode 386

Today Scott Molchan breaks down why landscapers keep chasing leads that never call — and how fixing your foundation (Google Business Profile, website, reviews) makes every marketing dollar actually work.
 
You want more jobs, but most marketing fails because contractors skip the basics. In this episode Scott asks the simple question every landscaping business owner should answer: if someone Googled you right now, would you want them to see what shows up? He explains how referrals, door-knocking, and social posts still send people to Google — and why reviews and a legit website are what turn curiosity into a real phone call.
 
You’ll get a clear, no-fluff stack to follow: Google Business Profile → simple website → reviews → social proof → ads. Scott shares why ads don’t work without that foundation, what to fix first, and quick wins that build trust so prospects actually call. Perfect for landscaping and lawn-care business owners who want better clients, fewer wasted ad dollars, and more reliable leads.
 
Take five minutes today and Google your business like a customer. See what shows up, then email Scott at scott@milliondollarlandscaper.com with what you find — he answers these.
 
Subscribe so you don’t miss the next episode on getting your marketing to pull real calls, not just clicks.
 
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Stop Guessing on Pricing — Build Your System- MDL Episode 385

Scott dives into the frustration of "What should I charge?" Facebook posts and explains why guessing—or asking strangers—is a recipe for burnout in your landscaping business.
 
We’ve all seen it: a landscaper posts a photo of a project and asks what they should charge, only to get a "dumpster fire" of sarcastic responses. In this episode, Scott gets real about why these posts are actually a cry for help and how relying on blind advice from strangers who don't know your overhead, labor costs, or business goals is a dangerous way to run a company.
 
You’ll learn why "knowing your numbers" isn't just a cliché—it’s the difference between feeling relieved when a customer says "yes" and feeling truly confident in your profit margins. Scott challenges you to stop treating pricing like a guessing game and start building a pricing system that actually supports your life, not just your schedule. If you’re tired of working 70-hour weeks only to wonder where the money went, it’s time to trade the "panic response" for real clarity.
 
Welcome to The Million Dollar Landscaper Podcast w/ Scott Molchan, landscaper-turned-coach helping business owners stop spinning their wheels, build smart systems, and finally run a profitable company without burning out. On this podcast, you’ll hear how to attract better customers, price your work for profit, and learn the lessons Scott picked up while scaling his own landscaping business.
 
✉️ Stuck on your pricing? Email Scott at scott@milliondollarlandscaper.com and tell him what part of the numbers has you spinning your wheels.
 
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Busy Isn't Profitable: Why Your Pricing Beliefs Cost You Money- MDL Episode 384

If you were booked out all season but still felt stressed about money, the problem isn’t your prices—it’s the story you’re telling yourself about them.
 
Most landscapers think raising prices means losing work or that the "market" decides what they can charge. But the market doesn’t know your overhead, your payroll, or how exhausted you are by mid-August. In this episode, Scott breaks down why pricing based on your competitors isn’t a strategy—it’s just a way to avoid taking control of your own profit.
 
We’re diving into the four most dangerous beliefs that keep landscaping businesses "fragile," from the "busy is good" trap to the lie that you can fix your numbers "later." You’ll learn how to shift from survival-mode guessing to ownership questions, specifically asking: Does this job actually support the business I’m trying to build?
 
Stop guessing, stop copying the guy down the street, and start making decisions based on facts instead of feelings. If you want 2026 to be the year you finally get paid what you’re worth, it starts with getting clear on your numbers right now while the season is slow.
 
Welcome to The Million Dollar Landscaper Podcast w/ Scott Molchan, landscaper-turned-coach helping business owners stop spinning their wheels, build smart systems, and finally run a profitable company without burning out. On this podcast, you’ll hear how to attract better customers, price your work for profit, and learn the lessons Scott picked up while scaling his own landscaping business.
 
👉 What part of your pricing have you been avoiding? Email Scott at scott@milliondollarlandscaper.com and let him know what’s causing the most struggle in your business.
 
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4 Things Ahead of Your Competition Next Year- MDL Episode 383

As 2025 wraps up, Scott Molchan shares four key areas for landscaping business owners to focus on for a stronger, more profitable new year. This episode isn't about theory—it's a practical guide to get you ahead of the competition.
 
If you feel like you're staying busy but not making real money, this is for you. Scott breaks down why you need to stop guessing and truly learn your numbers to price jobs correctly. You'll also learn the importance of tracking a few simple KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) like your closing rate and average job size, why studying sales is a non-negotiable skill, and how to start building simple systems that actually reduce stress and fix what's broken in your business.
 
This episode is a thank you to our listeners and an invitation to help shape the future of the show. If you're ready to stop spinning your wheels and make meaningful changes in 2026, this is your starting point.
 
👉 We want to hear from you! What topics do you want more of? Email Scott directly at scott@milliondollarlandscaper.com and let us know how we can help you grow next year.
 
If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help us reach more landscapers
 
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Why Your Google Profile Matters More Than Your Website- MDL Episode 382

Wondering why your landscaping business gets buried in Google search results? Scott breaks down the most important ranking factors that actually move the needle, based on a new report from top local SEO experts.
 
If you've ever felt frustrated watching a competitor show up higher than you on Google, or seen your own rankings disappear overnight, this episode explains exactly why. The game has changed, and it all starts with your Google Business Profile—the single most important factor for getting found by local customers.
 
Scott walks through the surprising takeaways from the report, including why Google pushes your business down if you're listed as 'closed' during a search, why the recency of your reviews matters more than the total number, and how to properly fill out your 'Services' section to tell Google exactly which jobs you want. These are the simple, powerful tweaks that have the biggest impact on your visibility.
 
Welcome to The Million Dollar Landscaper Podcast w/ Scott Molchan, the landscaper-turned-coach who helps business owners stop spinning their wheels, build smart systems, and run a profitable company without burning out. On this podcast, you’ll learn how to attract better customers, price your work for profit, and scale your business.
 
👉 Need help optimizing your Google Business Profile? This is a service we offer! Reach out to learn more.
 
If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help us reach more landscapers
 
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How to Protect Your Landscaping Business from Lawsuits- MDL Episode 381

From employee truck accidents to client slip-and-falls, are you prepared for the legal risks that come with running a landscaping business? This episode gives you the essential legal game plan every lawn care owner needs.
 
Scott sits down with personal injury attorney Ryan Schwartz of Schwartz Trial Law to walk through the worst-case scenarios that can threaten your company. They break down exactly what to do when an employee is in an accident, how to handle client slip-and-fall claims, and why having the right insurance coverage is your best defense against costly lawsuits.
 
If you’ve ever worried about losing your business over a legal mistake, this conversation is for you. Learn how to protect your assets, what to look for in a good attorney, and the simple steps you can take today to legally safeguard your company’s future.
 
Connect with Ryan Schwartz (For business in Georgia):
Website: https://www.schwartztriallaw.com/
Email: Ryan@SchwartzTrialLaw.com
Phone: 678-460-7568
 
👉 Ready to implement systems like this? Check out the Profits Up Inner Circle at https://milliondollarlandscaper.com/innercircle
 
If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help us reach more landscapers
 
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Why Your ChatGPT Contract Could Cost You Thousands- MDL Episode 380

Thinking about using ChatGPT for your client contracts? Before you do, you’ll want to hear this conversation with attorney Jesse Jones. He joins Scott to break down why having a solid, lawyer-reviewed contract is one of the smartest things you can do to protect your landscaping business—even for simple lawn maintenance jobs. They cover the risks of verbal agreements, the right way to structure subcontractor contracts, and why a good contract is your best defense when things go wrong.
 
The conversation then shifts to the long game: selling your business. Jesse explains what private equity buyers are looking for and how simple things like recurring revenue contracts and clean financials can dramatically increase your company’s value. You’ll learn the biggest mistakes that kill deals during the diligence process and the practical steps you can take now to prepare for a profitable exit, even if you’re years away from selling.
 
Welcome to The Million Dollar Landscaper Podcast, where host Scott Molchan helps business owners stop spinning their wheels and start building a profitable company. On this podcast, you’ll learn how to attract better customers, price your work for profit, and scale your landscaping business with smart systems.
 
Connect with Jesse Jones:
Exit Ready Assessment: https://www.fourscorelaw.com/onair
Website: fourscorelaw.com/onair
LinkedIn: Jesse Jones
 
👉 Ready to implement systems like this? Check out the Profits Up Inner Circle at https://milliondollarlandscaper.com/innercircle
 
If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help us reach more landscapers
 
Follow Million Dollar Landscaper:
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Why Your Landscape Photos Are Costing You Sales- MDL Episode 379

 
In this episode, Scott brings back professional landscape photographer Scott Johnsen to discuss why high-quality photos are one of the most underestimated assets for a landscaping or lawn care business. They dive into what separates a professional, catalog-ready image from a simple iPhone snapshot and how incredible photos can directly impact your sales and client perception.
 
Scott Johnsen shares his insider perspective on what he looks for on a job site, from avoiding common mistakes like messy backgrounds to staging furniture for that perfect "lived-in" lifestyle shot. You’ll learn the best time of day to shoot, why communicating with the homeowner is critical, and the simple tips you can use to take better photos yourself—even if you don't have the budget to hire a pro right now.
 
If you’ve ever wondered if investing in professional photography is worth it or just want to make your project photos look more polished and professional, this episode gives you the blueprint. Learn how to showcase your work in a way that attracts better clients, justifies higher prices, and builds your brand.
 
Connect with Scott Johnsen:
Website: sjohnson.co
 
👉 Ready to implement systems like this? Check out the Profits Up Inner Circle at MillionDollarLandscaper.com.
 
If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help us reach more landscapers
 
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